i-Form Lead flashing alternative: Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly, and Innovative
i-Form Lead Replacement: Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly, and Innovative In the construction sector, traditional lead has been used for centuries for roofing, facades, flashings, and other applications requiring durable waterproof sealing. Lead has always been known for its reliability and robustness, but it also has drawbacks, especially concerning environmental and health issues. Therefore, the demand for a modern and eco-friendly alternative has increased. i-Form®, a lead replacement made of EPDM with high-quality aluminum expanded steel, offers an innovative solution for this need.
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What is I-Form and why is it an ideal lead flashing alternative?
i-Form is an advanced, flexible sealing tape developed as a lead replacement in construction. It is manufactured from EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) rubber, a synthetic material known for its excellent weather resistance, durability, and flexibility. The addition of aluminum expanded steel at the core provides extra strength, allowing the product to perform even better in demanding construction applications.
This combination of materials makes i-Form a high-quality product that is perfectly suited as an alternative to lead in roofing and facade applications. EPDM offers the same waterproof properties as lead but with the additional benefit of significantly lower environmental impact. Moreover, EPDM is not harmful to health, whereas lead is known for its toxicity and negative environmental effects.
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Sustainability and environmental benefits of EPDM
One of the biggest benefits of i-Form as a lead replacement is that it is made from EPDM, a fully recyclable material. This makes it a much more sustainable alternative to lead, which is difficult to recycle and contains harmful substances that can enter the environment. EPDM, on the other hand, can be recycled at the end of its life and reused for other applications, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste.
Additionally, the production of EPDM is less environmentally harmful than that of lead. Lead mining and processing are very energy-intensive and produce a lot of harmful emissions. EPDM can be produced in a cleaner and more efficient way, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and conserve natural resources.
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Formability and Flexibility
A key advantage of i-Form as a lead replacement is its exceptional flexibility and deformability. This makes the product ideal for complex construction projects where precision and adaptability are required. EPDM can be easily shaped to fit the contours of roofs, facades, and other surfaces, enabling a perfect seal with ease.
The stretchability of i-Form is impressive: it can elongate up to 62% lengthwise and 22% widthwise without losing its shape or sealing properties. This provides unparalleled installation flexibility, making the product suitable for both straight lines and complicated corners and curves.
Moreover, i-Form is lightweight, making it easy to transport and install. Traditional lead is heavy and often requires additional labor and special tools to work correctly. With i-Form®, these issues disappear, allowing for faster and more efficient installation.
Waterproof and Weather-Resistant
One of the essential characteristics of a lead replacement is waterproofing to prevent moisture from entering the building structure. i-Form® fully meets this requirement. Thanks to its unique combination of EPDM and aluminum expanded steel, the product offers excellent weather resistance comparable to lead. This makes i-Form® ideal for roofing, facade cladding, flashings, and other applications requiring durable, waterproof sealing.
Additionally, i-Form resists ultraviolet light and ozone, two factors that often degrade sealing materials. EPDM is inherently very resistant to these atmospheric influences, which extends the product’s lifespan and reduces maintenance needs. The expected lifespan of i-Form® exceeds 25 years, making it a reliable and durable choice.
Health and Safety
Conventional lead is known to pose health risks, especially when in contact with people and the environment. Lead can negatively affect the nervous system, particularly in children, and contaminate water and soil. These risks have driven increasing demand for safer lead replacements in construction.
i-Form provides a safer alternative since it is made from EPDM, a material harmless to health. EPDM contains no harmful substances and causes no adverse effects upon contact. This makes the product better for the environment and safer for construction workers and nearby residents.
Easy Installation with or without Self-Adhesive Strips
Another significant benefit of i-Form as a lead replacement is installation versatility. The product is available with or without adhesive strips, depending on user preference and application.
For some projects, the version with adhesive strips can be chosen to ease installation and save time. The self-adhesive strips come in various configurations: none, one strip (on one side), or two strips (on both sides). A fully self-adhesive version, i-Form® FSA (Fully Self Adhesive), is also available. This version features a full adhesive layer covering the product surface with double release liners, enabling faster and easier installation. The release liners allow full user control during installation.
Available in Various Colors and Sizes
i-Form comes in three standard colors: black, red, and gray. These colors are carefully selected to suit different architectural styles and aesthetic preferences. Whether for modern, traditional, or industrial projects, there is always an i-Form variant matching the building’s visual appearance.
EPDM Flashings
Our EPDM flashings provide a durable, flexible alternative to traditional lead flashings. They are environmentally friendly and ideal for waterproof sealing in roof and facade construction.
i-Form is available in various dimensions, further enhancing product versatility. For special projects, custom sizes and finishes can be supplied, allowing the product to be perfectly tailored to specific customer needs. This customization makes i-Form a versatile solution for a wide range of construction projects.
Quality
i-Form® undergoes regular quality checks to ensure consistent performance even under the toughest conditions. This commitment to quality makes i-Form® a reliable choice for contractors, architects, and construction professionals seeking a high-quality lead replacement.
Conclusion: i-Form® as the Future Lead Replacement in Construction
With its unique combination of EPDM, aluminum expanded steel, and innovative design features, i-Form® offers an environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable alternative to traditional lead. Its flexibility, impermeability, and weather resistance make it ideal for roofing and facade cladding, while its recyclability and health benefits make it a responsible choice for the future of the construction industry.
Whether for small renovation projects or large-scale new builds, i-Form® provides the perfect solution to replace lead. Thanks to its long service life, ease of installation, and adaptability to various building styles and applications, i-Form® is the logical choice for all construction professionals looking for a modern, reliable, and sustainable lead alternative.
Choose i-Form® and contribute to sustainable, safe, and efficient building
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